Skip to content

this sentence I'm reading is terrific" i can be quite…

“this sentence I'm reading is terrific" i can be quite sarcastic when I'm in the mood. He didn't get it, though. He started walking around the room again, picking up all my personal stuff, and Stradlater's. Finally, I put my book down on the floor. you couldn't read anything with a guy like Ackley…” quote by J.D. Salinger
Download Open image
““this sentence I'm reading is terrific" i can be quite sarcastic when I'm in the mood. He didn't get it, though. He started walking around the room again, picking up all my personal stuff, and Stradlater's. Finally, I put my book down on the floor. you couldn't read anything with a guy like Ackley around. It was impossible. I slid way the hell down in my chair and watched old Ackley making himself at home. I was feeling sort of tired from the trip to New York and all, and I started yawning. then horsing around a little bit. Sometimes I horse around quite a lot, just to keep from getting bored. what i did was, I pulled the old peak of my hunting hat around to the front, then pulled it way down over my eyes. that way i couldn't see a goddam thing."I think I'm going blind,"I said in this very hoarse voice."Mother darling, everything's getting do dark in here." "You're nuts. I swear to God,"Ackley said. "Mother darling, give me your hand, Why won't you give me your hand?" "For Chrissake, grow up." I started groping around in front of me, like a blind guy, but without getting up or anything. I kept saying,"mother darling, why wont you give me you're hand ?" I was only horsing around, naturally.””

J.D. Salinger

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The narrator uses sarcasm and absurd actions to mask loneliness and frustration in a chaotic environment.

In simple terms: Sarcasm hides loneliness.

Key Takeaway

Recognize when humor masks deeper feelings.

Themes

loneliness sarcasm isolation identity coping

Mood

irritated reflective melancholic

Type

literary dialogue confessional

When to use this quote

  • college dorm life
  • mental health struggles
  • social anxiety
  • creative expression
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

existential angst self‑presentation social discomfort

Questions to Reflect On

  • What emotions are you covering with sarcasm?
  • How can you express frustration more directly?
A Different Perspective

Humor may prevent genuine connection and self‑understanding.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by J.D. Salinger

Explore all 416 J.D. Salinger quotes

More Books quotes

Browse all 59,485 Books quotes